President Uhuru Lauds Kenyans for Voting Despite Intimidation, Witchcraft

President Uhuru Kenyatta has thanked Kenyans for turning out in large numbers on October 26th repeat presidential election despite the challenges.

Uhuru garnered 7,483,895 votes im the repeat poll and was on Monday evening declared President-elect by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati, having satisfied the 50 percent plus one vote and at least 25 percent in more than half of the 47 counties.

While delivering his acceptance speech at the IEBC national tallying center Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi, the President lauded his supporters for braving intimidation, violence and witchcraft to cast their ballot on October 26th.

''I want to thank all of you turned out to vote despite violence, intimidation and witchcraft.We should start the process of re-establishing the nation while respecting the rule of law''Uhuru said.

He expressed his commitment to submitting to the constitutional path and the rule of law should his victory be contested at the Supreme Court. He also ruled out chances of holding dialogue with Raila Odinga before the opposition exhausted all constitutional avenues to the election dispute.

"Let them first exhaust their constitutionally laid processes. Nobody shall deny them their constitutional right. I will only discuss once the processes are over. I am not going to Jump the gun."

The Head of State further hit out at the opposition leader for pulling out of the presidential race after having petitioned the court to order for another election.

"Despite the fact that my competitor went to court, he chose to ignore the rest of the ruling which said the election was to happen within 60 days and by IEBC. He ultimately chose to abandon the fresh poll. You cannot choose the opportunity to exercise a right and thereafter abscond the consequences of that choice,” said the President.